How do you explain this to the cops?
The truth behind smart driving programs and what they track
r/GEICO via Reddit.com, © Justlight | Dreamstime.com, © Alexskopje | Dreamstime.com
I’ll bet your insurance company has sent this one your way: “Drive safely, get rewarded. Sign up for our smart driving program today!” You’ve got a squeaky clean driving record, so what’s the harm?
Smart driving programs track your driving habits and give you discounts for being a good driver. But there’s more to it than just saving a few bucks. Buckle up — I’ll break it down for you.
Know what’s being tracked
These programs monitor your driving habits using an app on your phone or a small gadget installed in your car. That data is combined with other factors, like your age, ZIP code and driving history, to calculate a score.
If the score is good enough, you might get a discount — think anywhere from 10% to 30% off your premium. Pretty sweet, right? But the discount comes with hidden costs.
They watch your every move
State Farm dings you if you go 8 miles per hour over the speed limit. So what happens if you floor it to avoid an accident?
GEICO and Allstate both tell you to avoid late-night driving since it’s the riskiest time for fatal crashes. But what if you work late or your kid has soccer practice that finishes after dark?
Ask your insurance company exactly what data they collect and how it’s used. Look for details on:
- Speed, braking and acceleration habits
- Late-night driving penalties
- Phone usage tracking
Maybe more importantly, what happens to your driving data after it’s collected? Does your insurance company share it with third parties or use it for marketing? Can it be sold or handed over in legal situations? Review those details before you agree to anything.
Your data could work against you
Why I never use Waymo
Wonder what it’s really like to ride in a self-driving car? There’s one recent story that might make you hold off.
👔 From hoodies to high-end: Remember when tech CEOs’ unofficial uniforms were T-shirts and dorky sneakers? Now, Mark Zuckerberg rocks a $895,000 watch and Jeff Bezos is at fashion shows in leather and sunglasses. It’s not just that they grew up; tech drives our economy, and the billionaires in charge aren’t hiding their wealth anymore. In 1999, when Bezos was already a billionaire, he was driving a 1997 Honda Accord. Those days are long gone!
44%
Percentage of young Americans who don’t want to own a car. Adults ages 18 to 34 would rather call an Uber or Lyft or rent a ride on Turo. But we’re not heading to a robo-taxi future just yet; a solid 52% of all folks don’t trust self-driving cars. I won’t get in one.
$1,500 in fines
If you don’t clear snow and ice from your car. That includes the roof! Most states have laws against driving with snow on your car. As an Arizona gal, I had no idea. You’d probably end up paying a lot more than $1,500 if a giant slab of snow hit the person behind you.
Put it down: A new survey reveals the average American checks their phone 205 times daily, or once every five minutes. That’s a 42.3% increase from 2023. The biggest culprits? Checking phones right after waking up, while on the toilet and, yes, while driving.
Car companies are tracking your driving
Are you a speed racer? You’re being watched. Major car companies are watching how you drive and selling your data to third-party brokers. Plus, discover secret codes to protect your family from scams and why the FCC is cracking down on illegal jammers.
Will AI revolutionize your next doctor's visit? Rep. David Schweikert thinks so
Can artificial intelligence make healthcare faster, cheaper, and more convenient? Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., believes it can transform the medical landscape. From AI-powered diagnostics to driving down drug prices and providing free wearable tech for everyone, AI has the potential to overhaul the way we experience healthcare.
Big Brother controls your driving
Should the government keep an eye on your driving habits? It’s starting in Europe, and it might be headed our way soon.
Self-driving cars do not drive themselves
Can you really trust your car’s self-driving mode? Turns out, study after study shows it’s not as safe as you might think.
Your car is watching
Automakers and insurance companies are teaming up to share data on your driving habits. Also, EV sales are struggling, and there are issues with Airbnb. I speak with a guy whose identity was stolen, and now the scammer is using his info to con others.
Police pull over a Waymo driving on the wrong side of the road
Waymo says the vehicle was confused by construction signs and stayed in the oncoming lane for 30 seconds because “it was blocked from navigating back into the correct lane.” Luckily, no one was hurt.
Pulled over in my Porsche
I was driving to work in my new ride and got pulled over. Let’s just say my morning didn’t quite go as planned.
No more touchscreens in your car!
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes for accidents across the country, and now touch screens are to blame.
Caught driving with no license
This video went viral. I just can’t wrap my brain around how he thought this was a good idea.
June 15th, 2024
Your driving apps are snitching on you to your insurance company. At this year’s WWDC, Apple goes all in on AI (come fall, expect a way smarter Siri!). Plus, a woman nearly dies from fake Ozempic, and chatbots are spreading election lies.
Your driving apps are spying on you
Apps like MyRadar and GasBuddy are sharing your driving data with data brokers. Find out exactly what they’re reporting.
Waymo drives on the wrong side to avoid skaters
Last month, a group of skaters in LA captured this video of a Waymo driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid hitting them. Waymo says it was the safest option. How would you feel if Waymo decided a head-on collision with your car was the best decision?